KATHMANDU: The ruling CPN-UML has condemned the March 28 (Chaitra 15) unrest in Tinkune, Kathmandu, labeling the violent acts as anarchic, and called on former King Gyanendra Shah to take moral responsibility for the incident.

Speaking after the party’s Secretariat meeting on Monday, UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali said that the former king’s New Year 2082 message revealed clear political intentions.

“His statement suggests aspirations to reinstate the monarchy and undo the progress made under the current political system,” Gyawali stated. “Having announced on February 19 (Falgun 7) that he was taking a new step, and after appointing a commander on March 27 (Chaitra 14), the former king cannot avoid accountability for what unfolded the next day.”

He emphasized that the Nepali people have already rejected the actions witnessed on March 28.

“Rather than acknowledging that he took the wrong path and entrusted the wrong people, the former king continues to stir instability,” Gyawali added.

He further reminded the public of the autocratic nature of the former monarchy, stating that its disregard for people’s rights and breach of commitments led to the establishment of a republic.

“Efforts to dismantle the existing system under the guise of public awakening are misguided,” he said.

While investigations into the Tikune incident continue and several individuals have been detained, Gyawali stressed that the former king bears moral responsibility.

“Describing the March 28 violence as a public awakening is misleading,” Gyawali asserted. “Vandalizing private property, government buildings, and party offices is not an awakening—it’s sheer anarchy.”

He concluded by urging the former monarch to refrain from attempting to return the country to its past.